Latest news with #AlbertLuthuliFoundation
Eyewitness News
4 days ago
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
National Dialogue: Legacy foundations say it wasn't a knee-jerk reaction to withdraw
JOHANNESBURG - Legacy foundations, which have pulled out of the first leg of the National Dialogue, insist it wasn't a knee-jerk reaction. The foundations, which formed part of the preparatory task team, opted not to participate in this week's first convention of the dialogue. They've flagged concerns over procurement and constraints due to the delayed release of funds. But President Cyril Ramaphosa's decided to push on with the event, with his office saying the budget will depend on in-kind contributions, donations, and other resources. ALSO READ: • Blame game erupts between govt, legacy foundations over National Dialogue • Postponing upcoming national convention wouldn't have been possible - Ramaphosa Attempts to mediate between government and the task team have been unsuccessful. Deputy Chair of the National Dialogue Preparatory Committee, Lindiwe Gadd, who also represents the Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation, said issues raised were mostly about logistics. "Coming out of that mediated process, it became clear that there are intractable differences, from the foundations who have subsequently withdrawn and the colleagues on the other side, particularly those colleagues from government and the colleagues from NEDLAC, to a lesser extent."
Eyewitness News
7 days ago
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Mbeki, Biko and Tutu foundations pull out of National Dialogue
Seven prominent legacy foundations, including that of former President Thabo Mbeki, have withdrawn from the upcoming National Dialogue, citing serious concerns about how the process is being handled. The Mbeki foundation played a key role in pushing government to hold the event. In a joint media statement, the Steve Biko Foundation, Thabo Mbeki Foundation, Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation, Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, FW de Klerk Foundation, Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation as well as Strategic Dialogue Group said the dialogue started off as a citizen-led initiative however it has now shifted to government control. They said the rushed date; lack of logistical planning means the dialogue no longer offers a meaningful platform for engagement. The foundations have also raised issue with the fact there is no approved budget allocation so far, meaning the funding of the dialogue risks violating government procurement regulations. They proposed rescheduling the dialogue to the 15th of October.
